Many people think fevers are only serious for children. However, adults can get them as well, and they can be just as serious. A high fever in adults isn’t always a cause for panic, but it can be a sign that your body is working hard to fight off infection. How do you know when to rest at home and when it’s time to seek medical attention?
If you have a fever and are concerned, make an appointment with your primary care provider for guidance.
What is a fever?
A fever is your body’s natural response to illness. When your immune system detects something harmful, like bacteria or a virus, it signals your brain to raise your internal temperature. This makes it harder for the invaders to survive and helps your body fight off infection.
The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, but that’s not a hard rule. Body temperature varies throughout the day and from person to person. So while 98.6 is the typical baseline, anything between 97 and 99 degrees is considered normal for most people.
A temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher is generally considered a fever.
What causes a fever in adults?
Fevers in children and adults are often caused by viral infections, like the flu or the common cold. Other causes include:
- Bacterial infections
- Heat exhaustion
- Inflammatory conditions
- Certain medications or vaccines
Usually, a fever means your body is doing its job, but if it gets too high or lasts too long, you may need to go to an urgent care or your nearest emergency department.
How to measure your temperature
You can check your temperature using several methods, but one of the most common is the forehead (temporal) scan. This way is quick and easy, especially for spot checks. Oral thermometers and ear thermometers also work well for adults.
If you’re not feeling well and are unsure, it’s worth checking. Even mild symptoms paired with a temperature of 100.4 or higher can point to something your body is battling behind the scenes.
When to treat a fever
You may not need to do much if your fever is mild and you’re otherwise healthy. In fact, letting your body temperature rise a bit can help your immune system clear out the infection faster. But if the fever is making you uncomfortable, you can take steps to treat a fever at home:
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Rest as much as possible
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
- Keep your room cool and wear light clothing
One thing to remember: While chills can make you want to grab an extra blanket, trapping too much heat can cause your temperature to spike even more.
When to see a doctor
Sometimes, a high fever in adults is more than just part of a cold. You should call your primary care provider or head to the nearest emergency department if:
- Your temperature climbs above 103 degrees F
- The fever lasts more than three days
- You experience chest pain, trouble breathing or confusion
- You have a severe headache, stiff neck or break out in a rash
- You’re unable to keep fluids down
If you’re caring for someone else and they’re not fully alert or responsive, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
How we can help
Fevers are often a sign that your body is doing what it should. Drink plenty of fluids, get rest and let your immune system do its job.
Still, a high fever that doesn’t go away or comes with other worrying symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. If you develop concerning symptoms, head to your nearest emergency department for immediate care.
Learn about the primary care services we offer at Mercy Health.
